Mexico to USA Visa Categories :
For the purpose of immigrating to the US, citizens and permanent residents of Mexico must have a nonimmigrant visa or Border Crossing Card (also called " Micas , Local Passports or only Visas).
Laser Visa :
The Laser Visa is a combination of a Border Crossing Card and a B1/B2 Visa, a business and tourist visa, with ten year validity. Besides the bearer's photo, the Laser Visa has digitally coded personal information including fingerprints. It contains additional security measures to avoid falsification and can be read electronically.
Other Non-Immigrant Visas :
There are other types of temporary non-immigrant visas to the US (The type of visa needed is defined by immigration law and is related to the purpose of travel). Such as:
B1/B2 (Business and Tourist Visa)
J (Exchange Visitor Visa)
F or M (Student Visa)
H, L, O or P (Temporary Worker Visa)
I (Media & Journalist Visa)
TN/TD (NAFTA Visa)
A (Diplomatic and Official Visa)
Other (fiancé, asylee, etc.) visas
Documents required to obtain a Mexico to USA Visa :
An applicant needs to submit the following documents to acquire a visa: A passport valid for at least 6 months following the consular interview Voting Card (IFE Card) Appropriate application forms, preferably filled out electronically (such as:
DS-156: Nonimmigrant Visa Application (compulsory form) which could be Nonimmigrant Treaty Trader / Investor Application: Form DS-156E or Nonimmigrant Fiancée Visa Application: form DS-156K; DS-157: Supplemental Nonimmigrant Visa Application (generally for males between 16-45 years)
DS-158: Contact Information and Work History for Nonimmigrant Visa Applicant (generally for student visas)
Proof of payment of the application fee. [Fees (US $100) are to be paid at the BANAMEX Bank in Peso following the visa appointment)
Old passports and visas (if available).
Visa Appointment :
A visa appointment with the US Embassy has to be made well ahead of the applicant's planned travel. For the purpose of making an appointment from Mexico, one can call: 01-900-849-4949 (not charge free), (01-477) 788-7070 (not charge free) or for complaints at 01-800-719-2525 (Toll-free). Again, for making an appointment from the US, one can call at: 011-52-477-788-7070 (not charge free)
For call response, operators are available from Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., and on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
On the scheduled appointment day, the applicant has to arrive on time to the Visa interview at the US Embassy (Only visa applicants are allowed into the Visa Pavilion). Minors (up to 20 years of age), elderly and handicapped applicants can be escorted. One will be allowed to enter only 30 minutes prior to the time of the appointment/interview. The applicant must have the main and supporting documents ready for interview with the vice consul.
However, immigration rules and policies have been made more strict post 9/11 attacks and visa applications are now subject to greater degree of scrutiny than ever before. Applicants can be made to undergo additional screening at the time they submit their applications (an additional $85 dollar charge is there for this)
The Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 in the US holds that by January 1, 2008, travelers to and from the Caribbean, Bermuda, Panama, Mexico and Canada need to have passport or other valid document to enter/re-enter the United States.
The new policy will be implemented by phases. While by January 8, 2007 all kinds of air and sea travel to or from Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda, will be brought under jurisdiction, by December 31, 2007, the rule will cover all land border crossings as well as air and sea travel.
For more information on Mexico to USA Visa, please refer to www.mapsofworld.com .
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